Shohei Ohtani leaves Dodgers game as pitcher vs Reds, but returns to bat

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani left Wednesday night’s game with medical trainers in the fourth inning. 

Ohtani was pitching for the Dodgers and had thrown six consecutive balls, and had runners on first and third, before coming out in the middle of an at-bat. Ohtani’s facial expression suggested potential pain around the time of his exit.

Ohtani initially went back to the team’s clubhouse, but then returned to the dugout minutes later. Ohtani then came back into the game to hit in the sixth inning, but struck out.

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He may have been suffering from cramping or tightness in the lower half of his body, ESPN reported.

Ohtani made his return to pitching in June for the first time since August 2023. Right elbow surgery kept him out as a pitcher for the entire 2024 season. 

Some fans have argued that he should abandon pitching to focus on being a full-time hitter and position played, and to limit potential for injury. 

Meanwhile, others have suggested he give up hitting to focus exclusively on hitting.